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The Thing About Oliver
Sometimes I feel just like the glass in my fish tank— people look right through me.
Twelve-year-old Tilly dreams of becoming a marine scientist, but she doesn’t even own a swimsuit. She lives in a drought- stricken town with her mum and younger brother Oliver, who is autistic.
Oliver’s meltdowns are making life unbearable. He needs so many different kinds of therapy that there’s never any time—or money—left over for swimming lessons. Tilly knows Oliver’s needs have to come first, but it’s hard feeling invisible all the time.
When Mum announces they are moving to the Queensland coast, Tilly is excited at the thought of finally learning to swim— even snorkel! But she is also worried. The thing about Oliver is, he can’t cope with even the tiniest of changes to his routine.
It isn’t long before the cracks begin to show. Could so many changes all at once threaten to shatter the whole family?
Twelve-year-old Tilly dreams of becoming a marine scientist, but she doesn’t even own a swimsuit. She lives in a drought- stricken town with her mum and younger brother Oliver, who is autistic.
Oliver’s meltdowns are making life unbearable. He needs so many different kinds of therapy that there’s never any time—or money—left over for swimming lessons. Tilly knows Oliver’s needs have to come first, but it’s hard feeling invisible all the time.
When Mum announces they are moving to the Queensland coast, Tilly is excited at the thought of finally learning to swim— even snorkel! But she is also worried. The thing about Oliver is, he can’t cope with even the tiniest of changes to his routine.
It isn’t long before the cracks begin to show. Could so many changes all at once threaten to shatter the whole family?
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2019
34 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 5, 2020
An insightful view into the life of 11 year old Tilly, older sister of Oliver. Oliver is autistic and requires a high level of care. How do you cope when you feel your sibling's emotional needs are being met and you consider yourself a bystander?
I love novels like this. All characters are fully rendered and Deborah Kelly treats each person with the empathy and respect they deserve.
I love novels like this. All characters are fully rendered and Deborah Kelly treats each person with the empathy and respect they deserve.
October 19, 2019
Deborah Kelly has a way of cramming gallons of heart into very small spaces. Her picture books and junior novels entertain, yet never fail to unleash unexpected emotions, all perfectly on the mark for her intended reading audience.
The Thing About Oliver is a brief but brilliant novel that will appeal to confident young primary aged readers yet also strike a distinct chord with those of the middle grade age group. Fast paced, funny, and deeply satisfying, this story touches on the subject of Autism and its impact on family life and sibling mental well being.
Tilly's heart is set on becoming a marine scientist. She lives, breathes and draws marine creatures and has turned herself into a veritable walking Google page of sea creatures and their habitats. The only glitch in her plans is her distance from anything remotely resembling the ocean - they live in the drought-stricken outback - and the fact she can't even swim, let alone owns a swimsuit.
As crazy as that premise sounds, the day-to-day dramas she and her mother have to deal with coping with her non-verbal eight-year-old Autistic brother, Oliver is the weighted diving bell that anchors her firmly to a bed of hopelessness and reminds us of the seriousness of the story.
Oliver is intensely sensitive, barely eats, objects violently to change and has to undergo regular therapy sessions that chew up the family's meager cash puddles. It's not easy living with Oliver - at all, yet despite her occasional frustrations, Tilly has learnt to accommodate his behaviour into her life, locking those things most precious to her - her special journal for instance - away from Oliver whilst still harbouring a deep, unflinching affection for him. It's easy to love Oliver. It's just hard to like him...
So when their mother announces a sea-change to the Queensland coastal city of Townsville, concerns not only grow wings and take off, they circle like hungry vultures waiting to rip Tilly's dreams to pieces.
Will a new start result in fresh opportunities, like a chance to learn how to finally swim? Or will it be the straw that destroys the fragile family circle of three? After moving in with her Aunt Janine, Tilly finds out what it's like to feel like Oliver; completely out of her depth.
The Thing About Oliver will of course invite understanding from those youngsters in similar situations, where a sibling inadvertently attracts 110% of wanted and unwanted attention, causing the other to feel as invisible as glass in a fish tank. Yet this incredibly sensitive first-person tale takes all of us deep within Tilly's imperfect world in which she relies on her dreams to remain buoyant.
Each of Kelly's characters omit charm, chaos, and above all, love. This is a story about remaining strong, sticking together, taking chances, family relationships and dreaming big that flows and ebbs as gently and enticingly as an incoming tide. Highly recommended.
The Thing About Oliver is a brief but brilliant novel that will appeal to confident young primary aged readers yet also strike a distinct chord with those of the middle grade age group. Fast paced, funny, and deeply satisfying, this story touches on the subject of Autism and its impact on family life and sibling mental well being.
Tilly's heart is set on becoming a marine scientist. She lives, breathes and draws marine creatures and has turned herself into a veritable walking Google page of sea creatures and their habitats. The only glitch in her plans is her distance from anything remotely resembling the ocean - they live in the drought-stricken outback - and the fact she can't even swim, let alone owns a swimsuit.
As crazy as that premise sounds, the day-to-day dramas she and her mother have to deal with coping with her non-verbal eight-year-old Autistic brother, Oliver is the weighted diving bell that anchors her firmly to a bed of hopelessness and reminds us of the seriousness of the story.
Oliver is intensely sensitive, barely eats, objects violently to change and has to undergo regular therapy sessions that chew up the family's meager cash puddles. It's not easy living with Oliver - at all, yet despite her occasional frustrations, Tilly has learnt to accommodate his behaviour into her life, locking those things most precious to her - her special journal for instance - away from Oliver whilst still harbouring a deep, unflinching affection for him. It's easy to love Oliver. It's just hard to like him...
So when their mother announces a sea-change to the Queensland coastal city of Townsville, concerns not only grow wings and take off, they circle like hungry vultures waiting to rip Tilly's dreams to pieces.
Will a new start result in fresh opportunities, like a chance to learn how to finally swim? Or will it be the straw that destroys the fragile family circle of three? After moving in with her Aunt Janine, Tilly finds out what it's like to feel like Oliver; completely out of her depth.
The Thing About Oliver will of course invite understanding from those youngsters in similar situations, where a sibling inadvertently attracts 110% of wanted and unwanted attention, causing the other to feel as invisible as glass in a fish tank. Yet this incredibly sensitive first-person tale takes all of us deep within Tilly's imperfect world in which she relies on her dreams to remain buoyant.
Each of Kelly's characters omit charm, chaos, and above all, love. This is a story about remaining strong, sticking together, taking chances, family relationships and dreaming big that flows and ebbs as gently and enticingly as an incoming tide. Highly recommended.
January 9, 2023
This book was a lovely story about a 12 year old girl named Tilly who desperately wants to be a marine scientist but she doesn’t even own one pair of bathers. Tilly lives in a drought stricken town with her mum and little brother Oliver who has autism and has meltdowns that almost breaks the house down and the family apart. Her family doesn’t have the time or money for swimming lessons Because all of that money goes to Oliver’s therapy Tilly know Oliver needs to come first but she thinks sometimes she invisible.When mum tells the family they are moving to Queensland and moving on with there auntie Tilly is so exited she finally going to learn how to swim. Her happiness fades away when she thinks of her brother the smallest change to his routine will make him go nuts . When rips begin to form between the family Tilly runs away and leaves the door open and Oliver escapes will they ever find him?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2020
A story of a girl who loves marine life and aspires to be a Marine scientist. She lives with her mum and her brother who has autism. Her story speaks of the responsibility and challenges that she faces everyday in her normal life.
Tilly’s story is one of changing your outlook can change your whole circumstance. Being open to the possibilities can be the best thing you can be. A beautiful story, that will bring a tear to you eye.
If you love Lenny’s Book of Everything, by Karen Foxlee, you’ll enjoy this one too.
Tilly’s story is one of changing your outlook can change your whole circumstance. Being open to the possibilities can be the best thing you can be. A beautiful story, that will bring a tear to you eye.
If you love Lenny’s Book of Everything, by Karen Foxlee, you’ll enjoy this one too.
October 5, 2019
Completely wonderful ❤️
March 3, 2025
3.25/5
Had to read this to a class of year 4 students over a fortnight or so.
So I'm obviously not the target audience but it was surprisingly interesting enough as it is about a brother who is on the autism spectrum. Not many students (a class of 36, mind you) were bored at all as they learned all about him and the obstacles he either caused or struggled through.
Light read, no flaws, for my students + not written for me.
Had to read this to a class of year 4 students over a fortnight or so.
So I'm obviously not the target audience but it was surprisingly interesting enough as it is about a brother who is on the autism spectrum. Not many students (a class of 36, mind you) were bored at all as they learned all about him and the obstacles he either caused or struggled through.
Light read, no flaws, for my students + not written for me.
September 23, 2020
Shortlisted for the Children Book Council of Australia awards 2020, The Thing About Oliver is a solid read about Tilly and her brother Oliver who is autistic. There seems to be a number of recent children's books published featuring neurodivergent children, however this storyline borders on being slightly cliched. Child with autism, jealous sibling, lost child. That may just be an adult perspective but my teen son did roll his eyes and ask if I was reading another "issues based" book. My student reviewing this book for Book Week gave it 5 stars though.
Read
October 21, 2020Well deserved to be shortlisted for CBCA Awards 2020.
June 3, 2025
DNF.
Oliver really made me mad. I couldn't bring myself to finish it.
Oliver really made me mad. I couldn't bring myself to finish it.
April 11, 2020
Super sweet story about change and living with a sibling with ASD.
December 3, 2019
Many thanks to Reading Time who provided a copy of this book for my honest review. http://readingtime.com.au
Sometimes I feel just like the glass in my fish tank – people look right through me.’
‘It’s half past four in the morning and Oliver is still screaming. Most eight-year-olds would have run out of steam by now, but not my brother. He’s got more energy than a bucket full of electric eels.’ Deborah Kelly communicates so much with this opening paragraph of her outstanding chapter book.
Tilly lives with her mum and younger brother Oliver. We know that she is twelve, because she has twelve neon tetras in her fish tank – ‘one for every year of her life’. Her life is dictated by Oliver’s needs. Oliver has autism, and requires constant care, monitoring and therapy sessions. Small changes to his routine can result in hours of screaming and self-abuse. Her mother is emotionally and physically exhausted, and often has little energy in reserve to give Tilly the attention she yearns for; ‘Mum is sitting in the hallway with her arms wrapped tightly around Oliver…After a few moments, Oliver sighs. I feel a little pang of jealousy. I can’t remember the last time Mum hugged me like that.’
Tilly dreams of becoming a marine scientist. She knows all about life in the oceans, and spends her spare time drawing fish and dreaming of snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. But they live in a drought-stricken town, and Tilly doesn’t even know how to swim. When her mum loses her job, she announces that they are going to move to her sister’s house on the Queensland coast. Tilly is torn: she is so excited by the prospect of learning to swim and snorkel; but she is fearful of the effect this move will have on Oliver.
All the characters are drawn with a deft hand. You feel empathy for them all. Tilly’s mum is struggling to do the best for her children and is totally exhausted. There is never any mention of Tilly’s father. Tilly loves her brother, but it’s not always easy to like him. ‘He breaks the things we love without ever feeling bad. He can’t play games with me or hug me. He can’t even look me in the eye. And how do I know that Oliver even loves me?’
The publisher’s promotional material says, ‘this book shines a light on glass children; those children who are overlooked as their sibling needs more parental attention.’ Deborah Kelly does indeed shine a light, but not only on this issue. She shines a light on a feisty, independent and totally relatable character who many readers will fall in love with, no matter what their family structure may be.
Highly recommended for Upper Primary School readers.
Sometimes I feel just like the glass in my fish tank – people look right through me.’
‘It’s half past four in the morning and Oliver is still screaming. Most eight-year-olds would have run out of steam by now, but not my brother. He’s got more energy than a bucket full of electric eels.’ Deborah Kelly communicates so much with this opening paragraph of her outstanding chapter book.
Tilly lives with her mum and younger brother Oliver. We know that she is twelve, because she has twelve neon tetras in her fish tank – ‘one for every year of her life’. Her life is dictated by Oliver’s needs. Oliver has autism, and requires constant care, monitoring and therapy sessions. Small changes to his routine can result in hours of screaming and self-abuse. Her mother is emotionally and physically exhausted, and often has little energy in reserve to give Tilly the attention she yearns for; ‘Mum is sitting in the hallway with her arms wrapped tightly around Oliver…After a few moments, Oliver sighs. I feel a little pang of jealousy. I can’t remember the last time Mum hugged me like that.’
Tilly dreams of becoming a marine scientist. She knows all about life in the oceans, and spends her spare time drawing fish and dreaming of snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. But they live in a drought-stricken town, and Tilly doesn’t even know how to swim. When her mum loses her job, she announces that they are going to move to her sister’s house on the Queensland coast. Tilly is torn: she is so excited by the prospect of learning to swim and snorkel; but she is fearful of the effect this move will have on Oliver.
All the characters are drawn with a deft hand. You feel empathy for them all. Tilly’s mum is struggling to do the best for her children and is totally exhausted. There is never any mention of Tilly’s father. Tilly loves her brother, but it’s not always easy to like him. ‘He breaks the things we love without ever feeling bad. He can’t play games with me or hug me. He can’t even look me in the eye. And how do I know that Oliver even loves me?’
The publisher’s promotional material says, ‘this book shines a light on glass children; those children who are overlooked as their sibling needs more parental attention.’ Deborah Kelly does indeed shine a light, but not only on this issue. She shines a light on a feisty, independent and totally relatable character who many readers will fall in love with, no matter what their family structure may be.
Highly recommended for Upper Primary School readers.
February 4, 2021
Families are complex. Living with disability can add to these complexities. Even in the most supportive families the challenges, for the person living with the disability and the rest of the family, can be overwhelming.
Matilda loves fish and dreams of being a marine scientist. She draws beautiful pictures of tropical fish. For primary school aged Matilda and her family, they must all live with the complexities resulting from Oliver living with disability. Ollie is non-verbal and living with autistic spectrum disorder. He is sensitive and frightens easily. Mum has lost her job and it all looks overwhelming.
A move to live with Auntie in north Queensland might present a solution. It certainly presents challenges the family must overcome. Can Matilda get any closer to being the marine scientist she dreams of?
An insightful book about living with disability and its impact on all concerned. A captivating story. Highly recommended for building insight and empathy for families living with these challenges.
Highly recommended for 8+. The themes warrant discussion.
Matilda loves fish and dreams of being a marine scientist. She draws beautiful pictures of tropical fish. For primary school aged Matilda and her family, they must all live with the complexities resulting from Oliver living with disability. Ollie is non-verbal and living with autistic spectrum disorder. He is sensitive and frightens easily. Mum has lost her job and it all looks overwhelming.
A move to live with Auntie in north Queensland might present a solution. It certainly presents challenges the family must overcome. Can Matilda get any closer to being the marine scientist she dreams of?
An insightful book about living with disability and its impact on all concerned. A captivating story. Highly recommended for building insight and empathy for families living with these challenges.
Highly recommended for 8+. The themes warrant discussion.
May 22, 2024
I read the is book to keep up with what my students are reading at school. Kelly has done an incredible job of describing the emotion, environment and challenges that come with being the family members of a child on the spectrum. I think this is a wonderful novel for children to read to increase their understanding of those around them who may be on the spectrum. While this is ultimately a junior fiction novel I think a lot of adults would benefit from getting to know Oliver and his family also. Such a beautiful read.
February 26, 2025
Any book that makes me cry is a 5 star book. I felt for all the characters. I felt for the mum, who is doing everything she can to hold the family together on her own. For Tilly, it’s her POV, she loves her brother so much but she feels invisible to her mum. As a mother with a daughter who has autism I understand how hard it can be for all. She isn’t like Oliver but she struggles and finds life hard. Harder than her two siblings. I have seen both ways. It was easy to connect with the characters. A definite read for anyone’s TBR list.
October 5, 2019
This is a lovely story about growing up with a sibling with a disability. I felt for poor Tilly as she struggles with her own issues, and for her family as they try to manage the new situation they’re in. This book would be especially helpful for older children/young teens who have a sibling that requires a lot of support, and who are looking to feel understood in this world. Recommended for ages 10+
January 9, 2020
A moving, beautifully-written account by a charming narrator about the difficulties and joys of living with a brother who needs everyone’s non-stop attention.
December 26, 2023
Great book, but wondering how the school children next year will take to it. It’s very intense.
June 29, 2020
Many young readers will be able to empathise with 12 year old Tilly when she says: ‘Sometimes I feel just like the glass in my fish tank – people look right through me.’. Living somewhere in outback Australia during a drought is tough for girl who dreams of being a marine scientist ad still hasn't learnt to swim. But Oliver, her autistic, non-verbal younger brother takes up all her mother's time and energy and Tilly is also needed to help during his meltdowns. When mum loses her job and the rent goes up it is time for a change - something that could tip Oliver over the edge. They head north to stay with Aunt Janine, a women with little contact with children who lives in an open Queenslander where doors are left open and there is not fence or gate to keep Oliver in. It looks as if the move will be a disaster and when Tilly snaps dire events unfold, but their resolution also leads to a more positive outlook and a brighter future.
The Thing About Oliver presents an authentic and profoundly moving portrayal of living with autism, single parent families that struggle to cope emotionally and financially (though the latter is an underlying theme rather than a specific focus. You feel as if Deborah Kelly has lived through many of these experiences as she presents varied and believable characters with flaws and strengths - and she plays to the strengths to present a positive and affirming story. Sure to be a hit older primary readers. and although the balance of characters are female this is very much a gender neutral story that both girls and boys will enjoy.
Shortlisted for the 2020 CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Readers award.
The Thing About Oliver presents an authentic and profoundly moving portrayal of living with autism, single parent families that struggle to cope emotionally and financially (though the latter is an underlying theme rather than a specific focus. You feel as if Deborah Kelly has lived through many of these experiences as she presents varied and believable characters with flaws and strengths - and she plays to the strengths to present a positive and affirming story. Sure to be a hit older primary readers. and although the balance of characters are female this is very much a gender neutral story that both girls and boys will enjoy.
Shortlisted for the 2020 CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Readers award.
November 12, 2021
Twelve-year-old Tilly feels like she's made of glass. Everybody looks straight through her. With all her brother Oliver's loud meltdowns, his high-level needs and his occupational therapy, speech therapy and psychology appointments, her mother has very little time or energy left to spend time or even have a decent conversation with her. When the family must move to Queensland to live with Aunt Janine, their problems seem to peak even higher and the worst things that could happen become inevitable. Tilly so desperately wants to learn to swim so that she can pursue her dream of becoming a marine scientist one day, but swimming lessons, even buying the swimming gear, is on the bottom of mum's priority list and Tilly does not know how much longer she can show patience. The whole family is fracturing, but at the same time, learning and developing and growing closer. It's just a matter of which of these will prevail.
Deborah Kelly writes from the viewpoint of Tilly and we immediately empathise with her and understand why she is so precious about her things and has a lock on her bedroom door to keep them safe. We sense the love Tilly's mother has for both Oliver (eight-years-old) and Tilly, but also the incredible strain she is under. This book takes the reader alongside this family for the space of a month or so and we witness the struggles, the tension, the adventures - the highs and the lows of being in a family where there is a child with autism.
It is heartwarming, honest and simple, but with great layers of depth between the lines. I laughed, I cried. A good light drama for young readers, and a quick, easy, poignant read for adults too.
Deborah Kelly writes from the viewpoint of Tilly and we immediately empathise with her and understand why she is so precious about her things and has a lock on her bedroom door to keep them safe. We sense the love Tilly's mother has for both Oliver (eight-years-old) and Tilly, but also the incredible strain she is under. This book takes the reader alongside this family for the space of a month or so and we witness the struggles, the tension, the adventures - the highs and the lows of being in a family where there is a child with autism.
It is heartwarming, honest and simple, but with great layers of depth between the lines. I laughed, I cried. A good light drama for young readers, and a quick, easy, poignant read for adults too.
October 5, 2025
Amazing book! Teaching you everything from autism to cool marine animals. Not only that, a fantastically sweet book about change, family and kindness. Usually I am not a big fan of books when sad things happen to nice, main characters, like in this book when Oliver, her 8 year old autistic brother tears up her beloved aqua journey I feel really sorry, but this book is so sweet and an absolute page-turner.
All Tilly wants is more attention from her mother and to be a marine scientist one day, but with her brother having autism and struggling with life, having constant, ear-splitting meltdowns and being non verbal and all the money and time on the weekend going to her brothers OT and speech therapy sessions, Tilly doesn't even own bathers.
Things are about to change when Tilly's mother loses her job and they all pack into the car to move to Queensland and live with her aunt Janine.
All Tilly wants is more attention from her mother and to be a marine scientist one day, but with her brother having autism and struggling with life, having constant, ear-splitting meltdowns and being non verbal and all the money and time on the weekend going to her brothers OT and speech therapy sessions, Tilly doesn't even own bathers.
Things are about to change when Tilly's mother loses her job and they all pack into the car to move to Queensland and live with her aunt Janine.
February 16, 2025
This is the third time reading this book. It is the set mentor text for my year 4 class for English and it is so beautifully well written.
I was initially worried about reading a book about a child who is so impacted by autism to a group of students, many of which live with autism (to a much lesser degree than Oliver), and even a student who has her own “Oliver” younger brother at home.
However, it was so well received by all my 2024 students, and so far my 2025 students are loving it as well. One student with autism has stated that he likes it because he identifies with Oliver.
I was initially worried about reading a book about a child who is so impacted by autism to a group of students, many of which live with autism (to a much lesser degree than Oliver), and even a student who has her own “Oliver” younger brother at home.
However, it was so well received by all my 2024 students, and so far my 2025 students are loving it as well. One student with autism has stated that he likes it because he identifies with Oliver.
August 18, 2020
Sweet book for younger readers
Gives an introduction to life with Non verbal autism, and the challenges families face and how this impacts other siblings in the house, and general public who don’t understand.
Very relatable story, with mention of the barrier reef and information about marine life that can engage the reader and get them wanting to learn more about sea creatures.
Overall a well round younger reader story
Gives an introduction to life with Non verbal autism, and the challenges families face and how this impacts other siblings in the house, and general public who don’t understand.
Very relatable story, with mention of the barrier reef and information about marine life that can engage the reader and get them wanting to learn more about sea creatures.
Overall a well round younger reader story
February 9, 2025
I read this as it was a short story that I will read to my class this year. And wow, was it engaging! A story about Oliver who is an autistic (non verbal) person from the point of view of his sister, Tilly. The author brought inside into autism in a gentle but eye opening way - one that I think young children (and adults alike!) will gain great insight from.
Fantastic read ☺️
Fantastic read ☺️
April 6, 2024
Great story but takes a while to get into... Worth pursuing even if some of the behaviors are of the more extreme for narrative effect. It was nice to see the change in the main character Tilly and that change is possible for everyone.
August 29, 2024
Read with my 3-6 class. With a new student who has autism, it was a great way to discuss the topic and familiarise them with characteristics they may present. It has had a great impact on their ability to recognise and support both the new and several other children with autism in the class.
March 21, 2025
10/10 an authentic, engaging children's novel that really draws in children and adults alike. There's a lot of character development and opportunities to discuss diversity, inclusion and family. I read this slowly for weeks and didn't get sick of it. Love it!
April 20, 2025
4 Green began the year with reading The Thing About Oliver. They enjoyed this book and learning more about children with Autism. Everyone by the end was very happy with the story and are looking forward to next term’s read. They gave it 4 stars out of 5.
June 9, 2025
Just because it’s a children’s book, does not mean the story is not complex and the character development is not present.
This book genuinely made me feel frustration, guilt and joy, all in the span of 130 pages.
It was a great read and Id highly recommend to anyone.
This book genuinely made me feel frustration, guilt and joy, all in the span of 130 pages.
It was a great read and Id highly recommend to anyone.
May 23, 2020
Beautifully written book. Tells the tale of a young girl whose life and family is centred around a younger brother with ASD.
June 1, 2020
This book was absolutely amazing!! I’ve learnt a lot about Autism and living with someone who has it. My only problem with the book is how short it is. It needs to be longer!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews